1 Kings 10:5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

And the meat {H3978} of his table {H7979}, and the sitting {H4186} of his servants {H5650}, and the attendance {H4612} of his ministers {H8334}, and their apparel {H4403}, and his cupbearers {H8248}, and his ascent {H5930} by which he went up {H5927} unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}; there was no more spirit {H7307} in her.

the food at his table, the manner of seating his officials, the manner in which his staff served him, how they were dressed, his personal servants and his burnt offering which he offered in the house of ADONAI, it left her breathless.

the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of Jehovah; there was no more spirit in her.

Commentary

1 Kings 10:5 describes the Queen of Sheba's profound reaction to the splendor of King Solomon's kingdom. After observing his wisdom, the magnificent house he built, the order of his court, the abundance of his table, and his reverent ascent to the House of the LORD, she was utterly overwhelmed, to the point that "there was no more spirit in her."

Context

This verse is part of the famous account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, detailed in 1 Kings chapter 10 and 2 Chronicles chapter 9. She came from a distant land, having heard of Solomon's extraordinary wisdom and fame, intending to test him with hard questions. Her journey and subsequent observations highlight the peak of Israel's golden age under Solomon, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and spiritual influence.

Key Themes

  • Overwhelming Magnificence: The detailed list of what impressed the Queen—Solomon's house, his table, servants, ministers, cupbearers, and his procession to the Temple—paints a picture of unparalleled wealth, order, and divine blessing. It wasn't just the material riches but the flawless organization and the king's evident wisdom in managing it all.
  • Solomon's Wisdom and Glory: The Queen's reaction is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon for unparalleled wisdom and riches (1 Kings 3:13). His glory was not merely earthly but a reflection of God's favor.
  • The House of the LORD: Significantly, the Queen was also impressed by Solomon's "ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD." This indicates that the spiritual aspect of Solomon's reign, centered around the magnificent Temple he built, was integral to her awe. It underscored the source of his wisdom and prosperity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "there was no more spirit in her" (Hebrew: אֵין עוֹד רוּחַ בָּהּ, ein od ruach bah) is a powerful idiom. It signifies that she was utterly breathless, overwhelmed, or astounded to the point of collapse. It's a vivid description of being completely overcome by astonishment and wonder, indicating that the reality far surpassed her expectations and the rumors she had heard.

Practical Application

The account of the Queen of Sheba's visit offers several insights for today:

  • The Impact of God's Blessings: Solomon's kingdom, though earthly, was a visible manifestation of God's blessing and wisdom. Similarly, when believers live out God's wisdom and principles, it can be a powerful testimony that draws others to inquire about the source of such order and peace.
  • Seeking Wisdom: The Queen traveled a great distance to seek wisdom. This encourages us to diligently seek wisdom from God, which is more precious than any earthly treasure (Proverbs 3:13-15).
  • Recognizing True Glory: The Queen's awe was not just for material wealth but for the wisdom and the spiritual dimension represented by Solomon's connection to the "house of the LORD." This reminds us that true glory and lasting impact come from God and are rooted in His presence. Jesus Himself referenced the Queen of Sheba, stating that "a greater than Solomon is here" (Luke 11:31), pointing to His own divine wisdom and authority.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 26:16

    To Shuppim and Hosah [the lot came forth] westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:18

    Who hitherto [waited] in the king's gate eastward: they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

  • 2 Kings 16:18

    And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:4

    And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

  • 1 Kings 4:22

    And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,

  • 1 Kings 4:23

    Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.
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